TL;DR: If your world is strictly PDF, Smallpdf remains a solid option with a mature PDF feature set. If you need PDF plus video/audio conversion and AI transcription in one place, FastlyConvert is generally the more flexible choice in 2026.
This comparison focuses on practical differences, not brand claims, so you can match the tool to your actual workflow.
FastlyConvert vs Smallpdf: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | FastlyConvert | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Core features | 40+ tools across PDF, image, video, and audio; includes AI transcription | Primarily PDF tools and related document workflows |
| Pricing model | Free tier + Pro plan (check current pricing on site) | Free tier + paid plans (check current pricing on site) |
| Privacy model | Browser-first processing where possible with 24h auto-delete | Cloud-first document workflow with published retention terms |
| Format support | PDF, image, video, audio, transcription formats | PDF-focused with fewer non-PDF conversion paths |
| Typical speed | Fast for common tasks; varies by file complexity | Fast on common PDF actions; varies with workload and file size |
PDF Conversion Quality
Smallpdf is dependable for everyday PDF operations such as compress, merge, split, and PDF-to-Office conversions. FastlyConvert is similarly capable for core PDF use and becomes more useful when you chain additional non-PDF tasks after conversion.
In short: for pure PDF workflows, either can work. For mixed content pipelines that include audio/video assets, FastlyConvert reduces tool hopping.
Privacy & Security
FastlyConvert positions itself as browser-first and states automatic file deletion after 24 hours, which can be attractive for teams trying to minimize cloud exposure time.
Smallpdf provides its own privacy commitments and security documentation. For regulated environments, compare data retention, processing location, and account controls directly on both official policy pages.
Pricing
Both tools have free access with limitations and optional paid upgrades. Since plans and limits can change frequently, avoid relying on static blog screenshots.
The better value depends on your use pattern: PDF-only volume processing vs broader daily conversion needs that include media and transcription tasks.
Format Support
Smallpdf is PDF-first by design. That is ideal if you only convert and manage documents.
FastlyConvert adds image, video, and audio formats plus AI transcription. This is the biggest differentiator if your workflow includes meeting recordings, voice notes, or media clips alongside PDFs.
User Experience
Smallpdf has a focused and polished PDF workflow experience, especially for users who just need document tasks done quickly.
FastlyConvert keeps a consistent interface across multiple categories and supports 7 languages, which can be helpful for global teams handling different file types.
When to Use Each Tool
Choose FastlyConvert if:
- You need one tool for PDF, video, audio, image conversion, and transcription.
- You prefer a browser-first privacy posture with 24-hour file auto-delete.
- You want to avoid juggling separate apps for document and media tasks.
Choose Smallpdf if:
- Your team mainly performs PDF-only operations every day.
- You prefer a tightly focused PDF product with minimal extra categories.
- You do not currently need AI transcription or media conversion workflows.
Practical tip: Before subscribing, compare one week of your real tasks. Count how often you touch non-PDF files; that single metric usually makes the decision obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smallpdf only for PDFs? expand_more
Smallpdf is primarily built around PDF workflows. If you need substantial audio/video conversion or transcription, FastlyConvert offers broader native support.
Which tool is better for mixed media workflows? expand_more
FastlyConvert, because it combines PDF, image, video, audio, and AI transcription tools under one interface.
Do both tools offer free plans? expand_more
Yes, both provide free access with limits. Always check each official pricing page for the latest quotas and paid-plan differences.
How should I choose between them in 2026? expand_more
Choose based on task mix. For PDF-only work, Smallpdf is strong; for broader file conversion and transcription needs, FastlyConvert is usually the better fit.